Ear Infection Treatments and Medications

A painful, inflamed eardrum—or two—is something many people have had the misfortune of experiencing at least once before. Ear infections aren’t pleasant by any means and can cause serious issues besides ear pain, such as hearing loss or a ruptured eardrum. Ear infections are often associated with young children, but people of all ages are at risk of getting them at some point. Let’s take a look at what causes ear infections and how they can be treated.

What is an ear infection?

Otitis means that there is inflammation in a part of the ear. It can occur in the middle ear, inner ear, or outer ear and can take on a few variations depending on the specific type of infection. Some forms are referred to as a swimmer’s ear, otitis media, or labyrinthitis. The most common ear infection symptoms are pain in the ear as well as a fever, sore throat, or fussiness in children. Ear infections can be common in children, so it’s important to know what non-verbal symptoms to look for and when to seek medical attention. 

How is an ear infection diagnosed?

Patients who experience ear infections should seek medical attention if they (or those caring for them) are concerned with the severity or type of ear infection. Ear infections are common and can often be caused by many different factors. 

A viral infection is the most common cause of an inner ear infection, whereas outer ear infections are usually caused by bacteria. Middle ear infections can result from bacterial infections, viruses, or other illnesses like colds, flu, or allergies.

Fortunately, patients and parents can take steps to prevent infection including, “[Use] earplugs if swimming in freshwater, do not use q tips, hairpins, or other sharp objects in the ear canal, keep, [and] use a decongestant when congested from cold,” says Inna Husain, MD, an otolaryngologist and assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Ear infections are diagnosed by examining the ears. A primary healthcare professional, family physician, or ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) may inspect the ears for infection using a tool called an otoscope to look inside the ears. The doctor can check for symptoms of an ear infection, such as drainage of the ear. The healthcare professional may also ask questions about certain risk factors pertaining to ear infections, which might include: 

• Age: Infants who drink from a bottle are more likely to get ear infections than breastfed babies. Children, especially infants and toddlers, are more susceptible to ear infections as their immune systems are still developing. Children in daycare or school-aged kids are more likely to contract illnesses from other children, which could lead to ear infections.

• Air quality: Secondhand smoke and other pollutants can increase the risk of infection.

• Allergies: Pollen can trigger allergies and put people at risk for an ear infection.

• Cool-weather Upper respiratory infections are more common in the fall and winter seasons, which can result in earaches and infections.

Ear infection treatment options

Due to the variety of ear infections, patients may be given a few different treatment options. Middle ear infections do not always require prescription medication because the body’s immune system can often fight off an infection. The doctor or pediatrician may recommend watchful waiting. This involves two to three days of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and the use of over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. If the patient is not doing better after two to three days, the doctor may write a prescription for antibiotics. Alternatively, the physician may prescribe an antibiotic but recommend waiting two to three days before filling in case the ear infection clears up in the meantime. 

In some cases, such as with frequent middle ear infections, tympanostomy tubes (commonly called ear tubes) may be necessary to prevent fluid from building up in the ear and to assist with relieving air pressure near the Eustachian tube. 

Ear infection medicine

Analgesics

This drug class is commonly used to treat the pain associated with ear infections. While analgesics will not clear or cure the ear infection, they can alleviate pain in the ear. The most commonly used analgesic is Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is available over the counter. Side effects of acetaminophen can include nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are used similarly to analgesics. The difference is that analgesics help with pain and fever, while NSAIDs help with pain, fever, and inflammation. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will not cure ear infections, they will provide pain relief. The most commonly used NSAID is ibuprofen. However, it is typically only recommended for children 6 months or older. Side effects of ibuprofen can include nausea, dizziness, and constipation.

RELATED: Is it safe to take ibuprofen and Tylenol together?

Antibiotics

Penicillin-type antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed drug class for treating bacterial ear infections. Doctors typically prescribe penicillin antibiotics after waiting to see if the infection clears on its own. The most commonly prescribed penicillin antibiotics are amoxicillin or Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate). Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Sometimes, doctors will prescribe other types of antibiotics depending on the type or severity of the infection (as well as if the patient has any allergies to medicines). These other antibiotics may include cefdinir, cefuroxime, or doxycycline. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotic ear drops instead of oral antibiotics.

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